Alokito Shishu
A discussion and prize distribution ceremony marking the 26th International Day of Persons with Disabilities and 19th National Disability Day organised jointly by Alokito Shishu and National Science and Technology Museum (NSTM) was held in the auditorium of NSTM in the city on Friday. Science and Technology Minister Yafesh Osman was present in the function as the chief guest. While speaking Yafesh said that the autistic children should not be treated as ‘disabled’ ones as in some cases they possess the ability to overcome any situation. The minister said autistic children are not burden rather they are resources of the society, saying that in many cases they have merit in different areas of knowledge. They could be formed themselves as meritorious ones if they get proper care and good environment, he added. The minister said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her daughter Saima Wazed are relentlessly working with the autism affected children, saying, “They are assisting those children so that they can lead a normal life by bringing them to the mainstream of the society.” The programme was also addressed, among others, by Director General of NSTM Swapan Kumar Roy, Deputy Secretary of the Social Welfare Ministry Dr Ashrafi Ahmad and Pediatric-Neurology Department Head of BSMMU Dr Mizanur Rahman. Chairman of the organisation Prof Abdul Latif presided over the event.
